Introduction
Benign liver tumours are common and usually asymptomatic. Most are incidentally diagnosed incidentally on imaging studies, such as ultrasound scans.
The commonest benign tumours are haemangiomas, hepatic adenomas and focal nodular hyperplasia. Symptoms may develop in large lesions due to their compressive effect, such as nausea, right upper quadrant discomfort and feeling of bloating.
Haemangioma
The most common benign liver tumour and is composed of abnormal blood vessels. It is typically a single lesion that is small in size (<5 cm). The vast majority of patients are asymptomatic and require no treatment. Symptomatic patients can be treated with surgical resection of the lesion.
Focal nodular hyperplasia
Common in women below the age of 40. It is usually a single lesion that is small in size (<5 cm). Focal nodular hyperplasia is usually asymptomatic and rarely needs resection.
Hepatic adenoma
A rare benign liver tumour. It is more common in women and is associated with oral contraceptive use. Patients usually present with an abdominal mass, abdominal pain or intraperitoneal bleeding. Surgical resection is indicated if patients are symptomatic.
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